Is LGMD a disability?

Is LGMD a disability?

When muscular dystrophy takes away your ability to maintain gainful employment, it qualifies as a disability – and the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes certain symptoms of the disease as a cause for benefits.

Is LGMD genetic?

LGMD is a genetic disorder that is inherited as either an autosomal recessive or dominant trait. The autosomal recessive forms are estimated to account for 90 percent of cases.

What is the life expectancy of someone with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy?

The person may be dependent on a wheelchair within 20 to 30 years. Heart muscle weakness and abnormal electrical activity of the heart can increase the risk for palpitations, fainting, and sudden death. Most people with this group of diseases live into adulthood, but do not reach their full life expectancy.

Is LGMD an autoimmune disease?

Although most patients presenting with chronic, slowly progressive myopathies will be presumed to have a hereditary myopathy, and in most cases an LGMD, autoimmune myopathies can also present with a similar chronic disease course (reviewed here2).

Is Lgmd an autoimmune disease?

Can muscular dystrophy occur later in life?

It can affect anyone from teenagers to adults in their 40s. Distal muscular dystrophy affects the muscles of the arms, legs, hands, and feet. It usually comes on later in life, between ages 40 and 60. Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy starts in a person’s 40s or 50s.

Who are the Best Doctors for LGMD treatment?

As for other hereditary myopathies, a team approach, including a neurologist, pulmonologist, cardiologist, orthopedic surgeon, physiatrist, physical/occupational/speech therapist, nutritionist, orthotist, and counselors, ensures the best therapeutic program. Exercise can help to counteract the loss of muscle tissue and strength in LGMD.

How does LGMD affect the legs and arms?

The weakness usually affects the legs first, followed by the arms. It rarely affects the face. Some types of LGMD may also cause weakness in the “distal” muscles – those in the feet, ankles and calves, and the hands and wrists. A few specific types may cause heart problems or weakness of the breathing muscles.

What are the unifying features of the LGMD?

The unifying features of the LGMDs are the weakness and atrophy of the limb-girdle muscles. However, the age at which symptoms appear, and the speed and severity of disease progression, can vary. Individuals may first notice a problem when they begin to walk with a “waddling” gait because of weakness of the hip and leg muscles.

How to treat limb girdle muscular dystrophy ( LGMD )?

Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Treatment & Management 1 Medical Care. No specific treatment is available for any of the LGMD syndromes, though aggressive supportive care is essential. 2 Surgical Care. Orthopedic surgery may be needed to help correct or prevent contractures and scoliosis. 3 Consultations. 4 Activity